UK Labour Vows Consistent Stance on China's Security Threats

The UK Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has pledged to adopt a more consistent policy towards China if they come to power, acknowledging the real security threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. In a recent speech, Labour's shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, warned that the Western consensus of economic globalization inevitably leading to liberal democratic values has been proven false, as China has become increasingly repressive.

Lammy highlighted China's expanding military capabilities, noting that its navy now possesses the greatest number of warships in the world. He also pointed out China's growing military power has aided Russia's challenge to the established order in Europe. However, Lammy acknowledged China's importance to the British economy, stating that it is in everyone's interest for China's relationship with the West to endure and evolve.

Under a Labour government, the UK's foreign policy would involve simultaneously challenging, competing against, and cooperating with China as appropriate, while prioritizing the fight against climate change and the defense of democracy. Lammy proposed a strategy of "progressive realism," combining the practical approach of former foreign secretary Ernest Bevin with the ethical foreign policy of Robin Cook.

Why this matters:The UK Labour Party's stance on China reflects the changing global order and the challenges faced by Western democracies in managing their relationships with an increasingly assertive China. As the UK seeks to redefine its role in the world post-Brexit, its approach to China will have significant implications for its foreign policy and its ties with allies and partners.

Key elements of Labour's proposed foreign policy include restoring the UK's international standing, strengthening ties with the European Union, and building relationships with the Global South, whose support Lammy sees as crucial. The shadow foreign secretary emphasized that the world has fundamentally changed since Labour last won power, with Britain's exit from the EU damaging its foreign relationships and the Global South expressing anger over the unfair COVID-19 vaccine rollout and Britain's support for Israel.

Lammy's plan recognizes the shifts in global power dynamics and Britain's diminished influence, aiming to pursue progressive ends through a realistic assessment of the country's position. In the UK, the Labour Party's approach to China and its vision for Britain's role in the world will be closely watched by allies, partners, and adversaries alike as it seeks to win power from the Conservative Party.

Key Takeaways

• Labour pledges consistent China policy, acknowledging security threats.
• Lammy warns Western consensus on globalization leading to democracy is false.
• Labour proposes "progressive realism" strategy, combining pragmatism and ethics.
• Labour aims to restore UK's global standing, strengthen EU ties, build Global South relations.
• Labour's China approach and vision for UK's role closely watched as it seeks power.